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Seattle Tree Removal Permit Checker

City of Seattle — Developed properties, non-development removals only  |  Blooma Tree Experts

Important: This tool is a guide based on Seattle Municipal Code 25.11 and SDCI Director's Rule 7-2024. It does not constitute legal advice and does not cover every exception or edge case. Always confirm requirements with SDCI or a registered tree service provider before proceeding. This tool applies to already-developed residential properties only — not new development or street trees.
Step 1 — Confirm eligibility
Answer both questions before entering your trees. If either applies to your situation, this tool cannot help — different rules apply.
My property does NOT have an Environmentally Critical Area (ECA) ECAs include properties near shorelines, rivers, or on steep slopes. Use the steps below to check.

How to check your ECA status:
1. Open the Seattle ECA Map →
2. Search your address using the search bar in the top-left corner.
3. Open the Layer List panel (stack icon, top-right). Turn off the Zoning layer to reduce clutter.
4. Turn on all layers listed under Environmentally Critical Areas — these include Riparian Corridors, Steep Slopes, Wetlands, Flood-Prone Areas, and others.
5. If any ECA shading overlaps your property, select "Has ECA" below. If your property is clear, select "Correct."
This removal is NOT related to new construction or development If you're applying for a building permit, demolition, or grading permit, different rules apply. See SDCI Tip 242A — Tree Requirements Associated with Development →

⚠ ECA Properties require specialist review

Properties with an Environmentally Critical Area are subject to additional rules under SMC 25.09 and SDCI Tip 331B. This tool cannot determine your permit requirements. Please contact Blooma Tree Experts — we'll assess your ECA status and handle the permitting process for you.

⚠ Development-related removals use a different process

Tree removals associated with construction, demolition, or grading permits are reviewed under SDCI Tip 242A — Tree Requirements Associated with Development. This tool does not apply. Please contact Blooma Tree Experts for guidance.

Step 2 — Enter your trees
List every tree you want to remove. Include the species and the DSH (Diameter at Standard Height — measured at 4.5 feet above ground). If you don't know the species, select "Unknown" or "Other" — we'll classify based on size and flag that species identification is recommended.
# Tree Species DSH (inches) ?
How to measure DSH
1.Stand on the uphill side of the tree if it's on a slope.
2.Find the point 4.5 feet above ground on the trunk (roughly chest height).
3.Wrap a flexible tape measure around the trunk at that height to get the circumference.
4.Divide the circumference by 3.14 to get DSH in inches.
✱If the trunk forks at ground level, measure each trunk separately and use the formula: √(A² + B² + C²).
1
Results by tree

Working with Blooma Tree Experts

Here's exactly what happens from here to a completed job

✓
You've completed the permit checker

You now have a preliminary understanding of whether your trees require a permit. The next step is to confirm these findings with a certified arborist in person.

1
Schedule a complimentary consultation

An ISA-Certified Arborist from Blooma will visit your property at no charge. They'll review each tree, confirm the tier classification and permit findings from this tool, and assess whether a permit application is likely to be approved.

2
Receive a written quote — no pressure

Your arborist will provide a detailed written quote by email so you can review it at your own pace. Our arborists do not work on commission, so you'll receive honest, unbiased recommendations — never upselling.

3
We handle all the permitting paperwork

When you're ready to move forward, we collect a 15% deposit and immediately begin the permit process. Blooma is a one-stop shop — we prepare the site plan, arborist report, Tree Risk Assessment (if required), and handle all online filing with the City of Seattle's SDCI on your behalf.

4
Permit approval & scheduling

Once the permit is approved — typically 4–6 weeks depending on city timelines — we file the required public notice and schedule your job on the calendar. Work is typically scheduled 2–4 weeks out from permit approval depending on our crew availability.

5
Our crew completes the work

Our crew arrives on the scheduled day, takes care of your trees safely and professionally, and leaves your property clean. We take pride in high-quality cleanup as a standard part of every job.

6
Invoice & easy online payment

After the work is complete, you'll receive an invoice by email with convenient options to pay online.

Ready to get started? Request a free estimate and we'll be in touch to schedule your consultation.

Request a Free Estimate

Blooma handles all permitting for you

As part of our tree service, we manage SDCI applications, arborist reports,
site plans, and public notices — at no additional charge.

Get a Free Estimate